Article
Agricultural Engineering
Saikrishna Venna, Hari Bhakta Sharma, P. Hari Prasad Reddy, Shamik Chowdhury, Brajesh Kumar Dubey
Summary: The study demonstrates that using landfill leachate as an alternative moisture source for hydrothermal carbonization can significantly enhance the sustainability of the technology. The resulting hydrochars have comparable fuel characteristics to conventional solid fuels, making them potential inexpensive alternatives to fossil fuels.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Ozturk, Ibrahim Dincer
Summary: This paper conducts a comprehensive case study on utilizing municipal solid waste for potential hydrogen production. The energy and exergy efficiencies for hydrogen production are found to be 57% and 55% respectively, with good agreement achieved with previous studies. The waste can be converted to hydrogen through a series of processes, including gasifier, cyclone, catalytic reactor, and pressure swing adsorption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Xingwei Zhu, Guozhu Yang
Summary: This study built artificial neural network (ANN) models and particle swarm optimization (PSO) models to predict the heating values of municipal solid waste (MSW). The ANN-4 model, which combines ultimate analysis and proximate analysis, showed the best accuracy in predicting HHVs. Nonlinear empirical formulas obtained by PSO models improved the prediction performance for most samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gertruth Leevhan Tihin, Kim Hung Mo, Chiu Chuen Onn, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Y. H. Taufiq-Yap, Hwei Voon Lee
Summary: The generation rate and composition of global municipal solid waste (MSW), as well as the potential of converting MSW into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy recovery, are discussed. The importance of pre-treatment processes to enhance RDF properties is highlighted. Additionally, the review provides an overview of MSW generation, composition, pretreatment, and application in the cement industry, as well as recent advancements in thermochemical upgrading technologies.
ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuekai Xie, Jianfeng Xue, Carthigesu T. Gnanendran, Karyn Xie
Summary: This paper investigates the geotechnical properties of a type of synthetic municipal solid waste (MSW) and finds that the addition of leachate can significantly affect the physical properties of MSW. However, exposure to leachate has minimal impact on the properties of MSW, including compaction, hydraulic conductivity, compression, and shear behavior.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Nadiia Nikulina, Seda Uslu, Andreas Lemmer, Nuri Azbar, Hans Oechsner
Summary: The anaerobic co-digestion experiment found that the optimal methane yield was achieved with a 20/80 ratio of organic solid waste/solid inoculum with liquid inoculum under thermophilic conditions. Addition of chicken manure positively influenced the start-up phase and helped maintain pH within the optimal range.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Octavio Alves, Catarina Nobre, Luis Durao, Eliseu Monteiro, Paulo Brito, Margarida Goncalves
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate dry and hydrothermal carbonisation technologies for converting solid recovered fuel (SRF) from construction and municipal solid wastes to biochars or hydrochars with improved fuel quality. Results showed that hydrothermal carbonisation produced hydrochars with better fuel characteristics.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Pan, Dezhen Chen, Song Hu, Dunxi Yu, Lijie Yin, Yuyan Hu
Summary: This study investigated the impact of municipal solid wastes pyrolysis char (MSWC) combustion on its ash melting. The presence of carbon was found to reduce the ash melting temperature by approximately 40 degrees C, but the combustion rate of MSWC was much faster than that of ash melting.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wei Pan, Dezhen Chen, Song Hu, Dunxi Yu, Lijie Yin, Yuyan Hu
Summary: This research investigates the impact of municipal solid wastes pyrolysis char (MSWC) combustion on ash melting. Experimental results show that the presence of carbon reduces the ash melting temperature by approximately 40 degrees C. The combustion heat promotes ash melting, while the combustion rate of MSWC is faster than ash melting. Increasing the surrounding temperature and O-2 concentration in combustion air promotes both combustion and ash melting. Higher carbon content in MSWC only slightly improves ash melting. Smaller particle size accelerates carbon combustion but does not contribute to higher ash melting ratio.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ankita Datta, Nihal Gujre, Debaditya Gupta, Richa Agnihotri, Sudip Mitra
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between soil enzyme activities (SEAs) and heavy metals (HMs) in soils contaminated with municipal solid wastes (MSW) without any amendment. The results showed enhanced activities of some soil enzymes in different types of MSW-contaminated soils, indicating the impact of heavy metals on soil enzyme activities and physicochemical properties. The study emphasized the importance of further research on SEAs for their potential use as bioindicators in various soil bioremediation and quality management practices.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Guanyu Jiang, Donghai Xu, Botian Hao, Lu Liu, Shuzhong Wang, Zhiqiang Wu
Summary: Rapid economic growth has made the disposal of municipal sludge increasingly important during urbanization acceleration. Among various thermochemical treatment methods, combustion is preferred for rapid and significant volume reduction of sludge, while other methods face challenges in system operation and technological development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jingyu Zhu, Zhou Wei, Zhenyi Luo, Lei Yu, Ke Yin
Summary: This review discusses the geoenvironmental impacts of incineration bottom ashes (IBA) of municipal solid waste (MSW) and summarizes the leaching behaviors of IBA based on literature. Various treatments can affect the mineral phases and microstructure of IBA, influencing its leaching properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ana Mafalda Matos, Joana Sousa-Coutinho
Summary: This research examined the use of dry finely ground bottom ash (GBA) from municipal solid waste incineration as a supplementary cementitious material for concrete mixtures. The study found that GBA had both beneficial and detrimental effects on paste and mortar mixtures. It did not affect the water demand and workability of the mixtures, but resulted in a loss of mechanical strength in GBA mortar due to the presence of metallic aluminium and hydrogen gas evolution.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nihal Gujre, Richa Agnihotri, Latha Rangan, Mahaveer P. Sharma, Sudip Mitra
Summary: The study examined the bio-stabilization of heavy metals in contaminated soils by GRSP produced by AMF, and found that GRSP showed weak positive correlation with essential elements like zinc and copper, weak positive correlation with toxic elements like cadmium and nickel, and negative correlation with chromium and manganese.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ruben Angeriz-Campoy, Luis A. Fdez-Guelfo, Carlos J. Alvarez-Gallego, Luis Romero-Garcia
Summary: This study focuses on the production of bio-hydrogen through the thermophilic dry anaerobic acidogenic co-digestion of pre-composted mixtures of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) and food waste (FW) at high temperatures. Pre-composting has been found to enhance the hydrolytic and acidogenic phases and increase bio-hydrogen production.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.